Potty Training Tips for Girls

The first step is determining whether your baby girl is ready to begin potty training. A child may be ready anywhere between 18 months or 4 years old; there is no set age at which training should begin. More important than age are signs that the child has the necessary skills–and desire–to begin learning how to use a potty. Such signs include the ability to imitate others, the ability to communicate her needs, predictable bowel movements, a desire for independence, and the ability to walk to and sit on a potty. Little girls who can go for long stretches–about three or four hours–without wetting in their diapers may also be ready. And perhaps most important, the child should show some interest in potty training; attempting to train a child who resists the process will likely hinder progress and prolong potty training.Once you’ve determined she’s ready, buy a toddler-sized potty that your daughter can sit on easily. Start off by letting her become familiar with the potty–tell her what it is and what it’s used for, and let her look at it and sit on it with her clothes on. Once she’s comfortable with this, try to get her to sit on it with her pants down–but don’t pressure her.

Young children learn by example, so let your daughter watch you use the bathroom. Explain what you’re doing, and emphasize the importance not only of wiping but of wiping front to back–this is important, as girls who wipe in the wrong direction can develop an infection.

Put your daughter in underwear while she is at home, or even let her run around without any pants on. Get her to sit on the potty regularly, such as once every hour, or whenever you think she may need to “go.” Make sure her potty is in an area where she can easily access it, such as in her play room. If you need to go out somewhere with your child or if she is in daycare, pull-up diapers and training pants are practical options.

When she manages to go in the potty, celebrate! Let her know how proud you are and what a big girl she is. Rewards like stickers or a special snack may also help, but try not to go overboard–you don’t want her to feel overwhelmed.

For nighttime potty training, wait until your daughter appears to make it through the night with a dry diaper. BabyCenter.com reports that children often begin staying dry through the night around six months after successful potty training.

Remember that accidents will happen. Don’t reprimand your little girl when they do occur–clean up and move on. Keep the experience light and stress-free, and enjoy the freedom that eventually comes from potty training.